5 Drought-Tolerant Plants that Beat the Summer Heat
Drought-Tolerant Plants for a Beautiful Landscape
According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, San Diego County is experiencing severe drought conditions. Water-restrictions are in place in San Diego County. For example, in Vista, landscape irrigation is limited to three assigned days per week, at no more than 10 minutes per watering station. Some new rules are in place in California, such as AB 1572, with hopes of saving about 235,000 acre-feet of water by 2050.
Lawns are thirsty. You can use drought-tolerant plants in your landscape to conserve water. Fortunately, there are a variety of attractive drought-tolerant plants that are a viable alternative to green lawns that require lots of water to stay green. Water-wise plants have minimal maintenance needs and use fewer resources, so it’s a win-win for property owners in San Diego County.
Add Color to Your Landscape with Water-Wise Plants
Here are some varieties that add color to your property and can help conserve water:
Blanket Flower (Gaillardia spp.)
Blanket flower has daisy-like flowers that bring a splash of color to your landscape from late spring to fall. Colorful flowers come in hues of orange, red, yellow, and coral. The nectar-rich flowers attract butterflies and hummingbirds, and the seed heads are an excellent food source for songbirds. Plant blanket flower in an area with full sun exposure and good air circulation.
Lantana (Lantana camara)
Lantana rewards your landscape with a rainbow of colors, oftentimes year-round. Butterflies and hummingbirds are attracted to the flowers, which can range from orange, yellow, red, purple, coral, white, and peach. Spreading types are an excellent choice for slopes and hillsides.
Spurge (Euphorbia spp.)
These heat and drought tolerant succulents require little care once established. Some of the best varieties for our region include the Mediterranean Spurge, which blooms big clusters of chartreuse flower heads that can last from spring to summer.
Yarrow
Summertime brings long-blooming flowers in hues of yellow, pink, white, oranges, or red. The flowers attract butterflies and pollinators. Plant them in an area with full sun and enjoy a bright splash of color on your landscape.
Stonecrop / Sedum (Sedum spp.)
Once established in your landscape, there’s not much you need to do to care for Sedum. They produce clusters of bright, star shaped flowers, arriving in shades of red, plum, blue, purple, silver, orange, coral, yellow, gold, and green. Groundcover types are ideal for suppressing weeds and do a great job of retaining moisture.
Tips for Landscaping with Drought-Tolerant Plants
- If you plant to replace a thirsty lawn, consider drought-tolerant groundcovers. Sedum is an excellent option — it’s a tough groundcover you can walk on.
- Amend the soil with compost to retain moisture.
- Mulch with layers of organic matter to keep weeds at bay. Small stones are also a good choice to suppress weeds and retain moisture.
- Install a drip irrigation system. Watering early or late in the day is your best bet to minimize water loss from evaporation.
Experience Quality Service. The Difference...Is Growing
Do you manage an apartment community in Vista, Carlsbad, or anywhere in San Diego County? Are you on the HOA landscaping community? Is it time to enhance your community with plants that add color, are low maintenance, and conserve water? Westturf specializes in helping clients with sustainable landscape practices.
Call us at 760-650-3120 or message us online for a free quote.
Let's work together
Do you have a landscaping project in mind? is it time for a new HOA landscaping company? Westturf Landscape Management is ready to help. We offer a wide range of services, from synthetic turf installation to weed and brush clearance and complete landscape transformations. When it comes to quality, efficient landscaping services, we have you covered.
We are looking forward to hearing from you.
Westturf Landscape Management
701 Mercantile Street
Vista, CA 92083
Phone: 760.650.3120